For His Governorship Bid
The race to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde in Oyo State is becoming a significant topic among prominent figures in Oyo politics. Several groups have emerged in the state advocating for their preferred candidates. Some are supporting the current Minister of Power, Mr. Bayo Adedibu, from the All Progressives Congress, while it remains uncertain whether Governor Seyi Makinde has a successor or a candidate he intends to endorse.
The Obidients movement, particularly the Ibadan chapter, has been quite active lately. They are focused on identifying a candidate who aligns with their ideology and can easily connect with the electorate to succeed the current governor in the 2027 elections. In light of this, multiple groups, including WhatsApp platforms, have been established to create a solid support structure for this candidate.
Recent mobilizations by the Obidients movement clearly indicate that they are endorsing the current Oyo State Assembly Speaker, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, as a potential successor to Governor Makinde. Although both are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, there are indications that Hon. Debo may not be the favored choice. Hence, the group is considering alternative options.
A few weeks ago, the Obidients Movement outlined a plan to enhance its performance from the 2023 general election while strategizing to unseat the PDP-led government in Oyo in 2027. During a conference themed “Going Forward: 2027” held at the Empowerment Centre on Ring Road, Ibadan, members of the movement evaluated their performance in the 2023 elections and discussed areas for improvement. The conference attracted party loyalists, political analysts, and grassroots organizers from across the state.
In his lecture, Prof. Francis Egbokhare, a prominent linguist and political analyst from the University of Ibadan, provided a critical assessment of Nigeria’s current situation. He highlighted the abundant talent among Nigerians but lamented that the nation is not realizing its potential. Egbokhare likened Nigeria to “a giant lying prostrate, trampled by dwarfs,” emphasizing the stark contrast between the country’s capabilities and its current reality.
The university lecturer stated that the state of governance in the country lacks direction, characterized by ineffective spending and a reliance on propaganda instead of the rule of law. He cautioned against superficial political strategies, saying, “Confusing ways and means with strategy is a terrible error. Do not play a game you have neither mastered nor can control; change the game or change the rules.” He emphasized the need to restructure the national mindset to achieve meaningful political victories. “The first order of business is to restructure the mindset, because winning elections without this is merely perpetuating the same failures.”
Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, reinforced the movement’s importance in Nigeria’s political landscape. He addressed rumors regarding Peter Obi’s potential defection from the Labour Party, clarifying that Obi remains a committed member. “For the point of clarity, Mr. Peter Obi is a member of the Labour Party. There are still issues in the Labour Party, and INEC has yet to respond to them,” he explained.
Meanwhile, various groups within the movement have been supporting Obi, and the Speaker has not distanced himself from these groups. Many view him as a potential candidate, repeatedly stating he fulfills all the criteria to gain the support of the Obidient Movement. Besides his roots in Ibadan and Imo State, where his mother originates, the Speaker is from Ibarapa East in Oyo State, and the people from that region are solidly behind him. Ibarapa has one of the largest populations in Oyo State. Throughout Governor Makinde’s first and second terms, the region provided a significant number of votes.
Another significant factor is that the Speaker is more accepted and connected in major areas of the state than anyone else, particularly due to the Igbo community. His mother’s roots in Imo State have positively influenced his political career, as the Igbo community holds considerable voting power in Oyo State and should not be underestimated by any political aspirant.
Currently, prominent Igbo leaders in the state are actively working towards his candidacy for the 2027 gubernatorial election, remaining flexible regarding the political party they will support. The Iya Loja WhatsApp groups and physical meetings have been established, while various other groups are working to educate the public about the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state. The Speaker has been proactive in creating awareness of his vision for 2027. However, a few months ago, he faced backlash after posting about the newly installed Eze in one of the towns in Oyo.
It was first reported that he wanted to succeed Governor Makinde in 2027. The controversy began after the Speaker shared a photo with a prominent Igbo leader at a coronation. Although he later deleted the post, it attracted scrutiny and backlash from some members of the youth community. Critics highlighted his Igbo heritage, particularly noting that his mother is from Imo State, and argued that he should not run for governor of Oyo, claiming he represents Igbo interests rather than those of the Yoruba people.
In response, Ogundoyin deleted the controversial post and issued a statement on social media asserting his identity as a Yoruba man. He declared, “I am a proud Yoruba man from Eruwa. I speak Yoruba with pride and conduct plenary sessions in Yoruba. I am fluent in both Yoruba and English. I cherish and promote our rich cultural heritage. My wife is Yoruba and shares my passion for our roots. My late mother, Chief Mrs. Justina Iyabo Ogundoyin, who was born and raised in Ibadan, embraced Yoruba culture and virtues, earning several traditional titles, including Yeyeluwa of Ibadanland, Iyaloja of Ibarapaland, and acting Iyaloja General of Oyo State before her passing. As Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, my loyalty and commitment to serving my people in Oyo State are unwavering.”
Adebo Edward Ogundoyin represents the Ibarapa East constituency in Oyo State. He graduated from Babcock University and was elected to the House to represent the Ibarapa East State Constituency. He became Speaker of the House without opposition on June 10, 2019. A second-term legislator, he was first elected to the 8th House of Assembly in 2018 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after winning a bye-election held following the death of the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo, on April 27, 2018.
Adebo Ogundoyin is one of the sons of the late prominent philanthropist and industrialist, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin, who passed away in 1991 when Adebo was just four years old. Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin, along with Alhaji Arisekola Alao and Chief Akanni Aluko, dominated the social scene in Ibadan during their time, much like roaring lions in the jungle.
